VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
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10 A 2011 BEST PLACES TO WORK non-gaming environment–a bit of serenity but with quick access to the action of the Las Vegas Strip. For the more than 700 Signature at MGM Grand employees, giving star treatment to guests is made easier by having access to one of the top benefits packages in the industry and a host of other unique perks. In addition to 401(k) and health and vision coverage, Signature employees are extended MGM Resorts International’s other benefits package enticements such as onsite mobile mammography and dentistry offerings; adoption assistance, same- sex domestic partner coverage, wellness floating holidays for doctor check-ups and its “Hero” military pay program, which continues salary pay and family health benefits to its employees who are military personnel called to duty. Because of the high level of service at the AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four Star resort, training is a key to ensuring employee success. The Las Vegas Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development has 3RD PLACE SILVERTON CASINO AND HOTEL A t the Silverton, its 800 employees are accustomed to mixing company news and updates with a little fun. An employee Cinco de Mayo party also contains a company message from president, Craig Cavileer, 1ST PLACE T hey are the triplets behind the green flesh of the MGM Grand, three towers boasting more than 500 luxury hotel suites and amenities in a honored the property twice with its “Tribute to Learning” award. At Signature, two-day orientation upon hire dedicated to guest service and service etiquette is extended to employees and managers. Employees also have added training opportunities available through the company’s MGM Resorts University, says Alja Halleran, Signature training manager. “I think a lot of our employees really want to develop their skills and we provide those opportunities for them,” adds Halleran. Recognizing the diversity of its large staff, Signature highlights different cultures each month with flyer information about different cultures and special menus in its employee dining room offering foods from that month’s chosen heritage. while employees enjoy gifts, cash prizes and a good time. Even town hall meetings where employees can ask questions about the resort’s stability and make suggestions for workplace improvements, throw in a little karaoke, free food and fun, says marketing manager Melinda Filstrup. But it’s not like company executives don’t take their work and employees’ wellbeing seriously. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including a 401(k) plan, employer- sponsored health insurance, disability insurance among many other perks. THE SIGNATURE AT MGM GRAND RANKINGS: LARGE (301 OR MORE EMPLOYEES) Rank Company Name Score 1 The Signature at MGM Grand 2 Caesars Entertainment 3 Silverton Casino and Hotel Emp. Count 79.63 493 71.23 20,827 68.77 783 This focus recently helped create a cookbook sale. The book’s contents were made up of recipes employees shared. The funds raised went to the MGM Foundation, says Laurie Kim, director of human resources for both Signature and MGM Resorts. Signature employees lead the company in foundation support, with 68 percent of its staff donating to it. Signature also offers wellness coaches for employees. The three coaches are available to employees 24 hours a day, answering questions about health matters like tobacco cessation, weight loss and other healthy lifestyle choices. “It’s definitely a cost to the hotel and a proactive approach that shows we care about the employees,” adds Kim. — Brian Sodoma Employees are also encouraged to write concerns and comments for the resort’s “Be Heard” ballot box. Cavileer responds via a video loop in the employee lounge area. “We read every comment in there,” Filstrup adds. Silverton team members are incentivized with service award programs. Winners are chosen by an employee vote. Three team members win cash prizes, bonus PTO (personal time off) days and other awards each quarter. Other regular perks for all members include: restaurant discounts, 2ND PLACE CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT another effort Caesars Entertainment takes very seriously. Annual employee surveys and other T questionnaires all make their way to David Reese, vice president of human resources for the gaming giant. Reese uses the input to shape future programs. One was modeled after “The Big Idea” TV program where employees make cost-saving, revenue-generating or green-initiative suggestions. If an idea is implemented, employees receive cash or in-house rewards. Caesars has also implemented a health initiative that allows employees who participate in a wellness program to not see insurance premium increases. This year’s average increase nationwide was about 11 percent, Reese said. Caesars is also looking to partner with a local college to offer courses at the workplace. “We know after work it’s probably hard for people to get out to some of these campuses,” Reese says. “It was another thing that came out of those surveys.” Reese also says sometimes employees are unaware of some of the perks they have, such as discounted entertainment offerings, shopping discounts, discounted buss passes and movie tickets. A “101 Unique Benefits” program was rolled out this year to educate employees on some potentially overlooked benefits they may already have. — Brian Sodoma free concert tickets (depending on availability) and friends and family discounted room rates. The Silverton has also had a long- standing relationship with Nellis Air Force Base, hosting barbecues for servicemen through the years and donating to causes at the base. Nellis recently showed its appreciation by having a barbecue for Silverton employees. “We always like to pay it forward with them,” Filstrup adds. “We’ve been supporting them for a long time.” — Brian Sodoma ending to revenue and profit margins is a daily task for the for the world’s largest gaming company. But making sure its employees’ needs are heard is VEGAS INC SpECIAl publICAtIoN